Space….. a swirling abyss of nothingness… and I am
stuck in it. I have been
assigned to this sector of Galaxy 18825. As a member
of The Liberation Fleet of Justice, I must earn my way in by starting out as a
scout. “All of the great warriors started out as a scout” Marco, the captain of
the team had told me. “It’s the only way to earn respect these days.” I suppose
that is true, but I have been out here for a long 2 weeks with nothing but me
and my ship and still nothing worth reporting. There were a couple of meteor
showers, but that is all. Working like this would drive the average man insane,
but I am not average. My parents died when I was 3 so the Liberation Fleet of
Justice adopted me and put me in a training camp for soon to be warriors. I worked
hard at my goals, and graduated with honors. I suppose this mission isn’t any
better than the academy, but at least I get to take part in something. Staring
out into space, I realize that this sector is pretty much abandoned. I decided
to radio LFJ HQ to tell them I’m coming home.
“HQ, this is Muska, do you read?” “Yes Muska, read you loud and clear.” “Just wanted to tell ya’ll that this sector
is abandoned and I’m heading out.” “Got
it, I’ll prepare a docking station for
you..” Suddenly, my ship jolted to the left and the intruder alarm sounded.
“Warning! Intruder alert! Intruder alert!”
“Computer, Isolate problem.”
“Scanning…..No intruder detected.”
“What do you mean ‘No intruder detected!?! We are under attack!” “Muska! What the devil is going on down
there?” “Send a fleet and a hospital
ship! I’m being attacked heavily!”
“Affirmative, out.” “Computer,
Isolate problem!” “No intruder
detected.” “Arrg! This is hopeless!
Computer, prepare the escape pod.” I
ran as hard as I can toward the only means of escape. The ship jolted again, so
much that I fell down. I scrambled to my feet and jumped into the pod.
“Initiating launch sequence in 5…4…” The pod doors closed. “3…2…1…ignition.” I
went hurdling out of the ship just as it reached critical mass and exploded. My
pod drifted into orbit of the nearby planet. I stayed there for hours on end.
Until finally the rescue squad came and picked me up. “Bout time” I mumbled. “I
had no food out there, I coulda starved to death!” “Well,” said one of the crew
members. “You were on the opposite side of the galaxy.” “True, but still, I didn’t expect you guys
to be so slow.” “Well this ship can
only go 80 light years per hour, so it isn’t us, It’s the ship.” We finally
reached the hospital and docked. “Do I really have to go to the hospital? I’m
not hurt.” “Well, we’ll be the judge of
that” We went in and the doctor began to examine me. “Well Muska, you seem to
have no injuries, no disease, no radiation poisoning…” “Wait a second! Why would you be worried about
disease or radiation poisoning?” “We
suspect team Cuz We Can is behind this. If so, then they could have weapons
capable of such things.” “Man, that’s
harsh.” “Very. We just need you to
spend the night here so we can make sure nothing develops.” “What! I can’t stay here! I have other
things to do!” “I’m sorry son, but
given the circumstance, we must keep you here tonight.” The doctor left and I
pulled out my satellite phone and called a good buddy of mine. “Martin? Hey
it’s Muska. Look, I’m stuck in a hospital… yes, again… look, I need you to come
pick me up, ok? Sector? I’m in sector 18659 according to my GPS… will you be
able to make it? Martin? Martin?” Instantly I heard the sound of a starship
outside my window, so I opened it.
“Need a ride?” “Martin? How did you….”
“I was in the neighborhood already, now hop in!”
I jumped into his starship and we went plying
through the doors of the climate controlled dome that surrounded the
hospital. “Where do you wunna go
Muska?” “How bout The Bar.” “You read my mind!” Martin floored the
accelerator and we blew into hyperspace. We arrived at or destination early in
the morning. We landed & went to the door.
“Cumon G! Let us in dude!”
Gestalt, a bartender in his late 30’s, came to the
door and gave us a scowl. “You guys know I don’t open till 7!” “But it’s just 5 min till! Cumon
pleeeease!” “Oh ok. I don’t see any
harm in opening a few minutes early.” G
opened the doors just as Martin and me came rushing in. We jumped onto the
barstools and chanted “Service! Service! Service!” “Keep it down! I only got 2 feet! Now what will you guys have?
Muska… let me guess… the usual six pack of Tequila?” “Nah, not today G. I’ve been through too much…. Make it 4….” G
slid 4 bottles of Tequila over to me and I began to chug the 1st
one. “Ok then, now for you
Martin….” “I’ll have a latee.” “Latee?” “Latee?” I almost chocked on my
Tequila.. “Why Latee?” “I don’t like
alcohol in the morning, gives me indigestion.”
“Well, that makes sense.” G said. “This is the morning, and this is the
first time I’ve seen Martin in the morning, and you too Muska for that matter.
Why so early?” “Martin just busted me
out of the hospital.” “Were they keeping
you overnight or something?” “Yeah,
said something bout getting diseases or radiation poisoning… stuff like
that…” “you know, CWC is capable of
such things.” “Really?” “Yeah, but I think they got something mixed
up when they told you this. CWC has
weapons that use radiation to cause deadly diseases that makes the carrier suffer
a great deal.” “Whoa, I guess those
guys were smart to keep me there.” “And
you really should have stayed there instead of coming here and getting drunk.” I hiccupped a couple times and fell to the
floor. Martin helped me up. “Dude, how many fingers am I holding up?” “Uhh… hiccup….twelve…and a half… no wait,
three quarters…..” “You mean three
fourths…” “No, I mean I see three quarters
on your fore head. Can I borrow them?”
“OK, I think we better be going G.”
“See ya…” Martin drug me into his ship and put me in the resting area.
“Honestly, Muska, why do you have to drink so much?” “Because the drunken beer monkey told me to…” “You definitely need rest… sleep…”
Martin lifted me into the ship and placed me in the
hyperbolic sleeping unit.. “Whazzzat?” I mumbled, drunks as a dog. “It’s a
sleeping unit that speeds up time in that concentrated area and allows rapid
sleeping.” “Whazzzat mean?” “It means you can go to sleep and be sober
before I turn the ship on to leave.” Martin pressed a button and the door to
the chamber closed. I fell asleep instantly. I slept for what seemed like hours
then finally woke up. I yawned and stretched as I got out of the pod. “Hey
Martin, how long was I asleep?” “30
seconds” “Huh?” “I told you already, I
don’t wunna hafta go over it again. Ok?’
“Alright, whatever…so where are we goin?”
“We need to go see Marco…” “The boss?” Yep. At 7:47 this morning, someone stole a
stealth ship…” “A stealth ship?” “Yes. It can attack without being detected
or even seen…” “That must be what
attacked me…” “Huh? The fugitive
attacked you?” “Uh huh, he was hitting
me with all he had and the computer couldn’t find him.” “This is big news. We need even more to
speak to Marco. Hyperspeed activating…. NOW!” We blew into hyperspeed and my
body clinged to the seat. I felt like my face would rip off. “Martin,” I implied. “Would it be possible
for you to go a little SLOWER!?!” “No,
we need to get to Marco, and soon! The little bit of information you gave me
could mean the difference between peace and war.” As we neared the bunker, Martin shifted out of hyperspeed. He
flicked on the radio button and said “Martin to base. Do you read?” “Yes sir, loud and clear.” “Prepare a docking bay, I’m coming in.” “Affirmative, out.” Some doors opened on the side of the bunker
and we flew in. The ship came to a complete stop and we docked in the bunker of
Marco, leader of The Liberation Fleet of Justice. Marco was informed of our
arrival ant came to meet us. “Good
evening gentlemen, what business do you have.”
“It isn’t exactly business” replied Martin. “It’s more like major news”
“Oh, and what news is it?”
Martin nudged me. “Cumon Muska, you’re the one who experienced it, tell
him.” “Oh yeah…sure….ahem… sir, today I
was attacked by an unseen enemy. We assume it was CWC.” Marco scratched his head then replied “Yes, but didn’t your computer detect
it?” “No sir. We assume whoever stole
that stealth ship today is the one responsible.”
“I see… a conference. I’ll hold a conference with
all of the great minds of the Universes, and well decide how to handle this
atrocious assault.” Marco walked off into the bunker. “But what do we do?” I
yelled. “You must be in the conference
considering you were attacked. Follow me.” I scrambled over next to Marco.
Martin followed steadily behind. “Can I come too?” he asked. Marco sighed then said “I suppose.” When we
got to the conference room, Marco pressed the intercom. “Communications room…” “Yes Marco,” “Get me the following people for a conference: Gestalt, Lugger,
S.W.A.T, The Wog, Star Trader, Named, Draco, and Dweller.” “Yes sir, I’m on it!” “Now, in a couple of
seconds, the conference will start.”
“Uh, Marco.” I implied. “You
can’t have it in a few seconds, you have to give them time to get here.” Marco chuckled. “I did Muska.” Suddenly, all
of the people appeared in their seats. I was flabbergasted.
Marco patted me on the shoulder. “Haven’t you ever
seen Star Trek?” “Star Trek?” “Nevermind, it’s a show from long ago.” “How long ago?” “the 1990’s” “Wow, that
is long ago.” “Cumon, it’s time to
start.” Marco, Martin and me went over and sat down, then the conference began…
Marco: Gentlemen…Gentlemen….this conference is now
officially started.
SWAT: What is this all about?
Dweller: Yeah, I was eating!
Marco :I have called you all here to help come to a
decision about our next move. We have been attacked.
Wog: By who?
Marco: We assume CWC is behind the attack. One of
our patrolmen was brutally attacked and was forced to eject in the escape pod.
SWAT: Who was it?
Lugger: Yeah, our team is ready to take action when
necessary.
Marco: Now hold on a second. We aren’t jumping to
any conclusions.
SWAT: Who was it that was attacked?
Muska: It was me.
Wog: Really?
Dweller: Did they send you to the hospital?
Muska: Yep.
Named: Do they still those little bags of peanuts?
Everyone looked at Named and a silence fell over the
room. Named grinned nervously.
Named: No wait, I’m thinking of the airline,
nevermind.
Marco: Anyhow, we must take action, and soon!
Damascus Steel: Team BAR is ready to stand by your
side Marco.
Marco: Hey, who are you, and where is Gestalt?
DS: Well you see, the boss is very busy with his
business, so I have been sent to fill in for him on account of, I know the boss
more than anyone.
Marco: Ok, anyone have ideas as to what to do?
Lugger: We could attack their base.
Marco: No, we don’t want to stir up trouble,
especially if it wasn’t them.
Named: Then how bout we send some scouts to spy on
CWC, you know, see what their up to.
Marco; I like that idea, all in favor say “I”
All: I!
Marco: Very well then, we’ll send 3 scouts to spy on
them, but who is the question…. Muska, you’ll be one of them, you’re a very
experienced scout….
Muska: I’ll be glad to sir!
Marco: and since there are no more scouts worthy of
this job, me and Martin will come with you.
Martin: Yeah, let’s do it!
Marco pressed the intercom button again.
“Docking
bay, come in.” Marco said. “Yes
sir.” “Prepare 3 Hyper Battleships for
departure.” “Got it.” Marco turned to everyone. “ The conference is over, you may leave
now.” He then turned to me and Martin. “Let’s ride.” As we stepped out of the building, three emperial battleships
hovered down out of storage. “Man,” I said out of amazement. “I’ve never driven
one of them before. Whats the mileage?”
“These babys get 30 light years to the gallon,” Marco answered patting
one of the ships. “These are the best money can buy. Cost 3.5 million
each.” “Wow,” I replied. “That’s
expensive.” “Yes, but enough idle chit
chat, we need to get to work.” “I
walked over to the far left one and saw my name inscripted on it.
“Marco, this one has…” “I know, I’m giving it to you.”
“Really?” “Yeah. Every great
warrior needs a hyper battleship.”
“Thanks! Thanks a lot!” “Your
welcome son, now jump in so we can go already.” We all hopped into our ships and headed out. “Follow me,” said Marco over the radio. “I’ll lead.” “How far away is this base anyhow?” Martin asked. “It’s about
3,000 light years,” Marco answered.
“I’m gunna set your ships on autopilot to the destination, so don’t
worry bout falling asleep. In fact go right ahead1 I’ll inform you when we get
there.” “Great,” I answered leaning
back in my chair. “I’ll just take it
easy for a while.” “Me too.” Added
Martin. I quickly fell asleep in my
cockpit chair. I dreamed about drinking Tequila for about an hour and woke up
to Marco saying “Wake up! We’re here!”
I sat up straight and whipped the drool off the
console. I looked out the window and almost slipped out of the chair. There
before me was the CWC base. It was huge! Hyper ships flew around left and right
as if they were just normal people out on a Sunday drive. “Marco,” I whispered
nervously. “Are you sure we need to be this close?” “Don’t worry,” He answered. “They don’t see us.” “What are we looking for anyhow?” Martin
questioned. “Any signs of the use of a
stealth,” replied Marco. “We need to
make sure it was them before finalizing any decisions.” “Well,” said an unknown voice over the
radio. “I think perhaps you might be
looking in the wrong way!” I heard a
phaser shot and saw Martin’s ship tumble forward. “Ahh!!!” he yelped. “I’ve
been hit!” We all turned our ships
around to find nothing. “Who are
you?” demanded Marco. “and more importantly, where are you?” The voice came over the radio again. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I felt my ship jolt on the left side, just
like the last time he attacked me.
“Recognize that, Muska?” the
voice gawked. “He knows my name,” I thought.
“could it be?” “What? You don’t
recognize me?” he asked. “Back at the
university? I was your roommate.” A
sudden horror fell over me and I blurted out the name “Killercool!?!” “That’s right!” KC answered. “I’m back! And
now you have no way to outdo me!”
“What’s he talking about?” Martin asked. “Well,” I told him. “In school, I always outdid KC at everything.
We really didn’t get along.” “Enough!”
yelled KC. “I’m gunna end this…
NOW!” I heard a familiar sound. “LRM’s!”
I warned. “Watch it!” “Good
thing I have an AMS!” laughed Marco as he deployed them. The anti-missiles flew
out and scrambled around like scared chickens. “What the…” Marco questioned.
Before he could say another word, he was hit.
“Arrg! How did that happen!?!”
“His missiles must be stealth too.” Martin answered. “Man!” Marco complained. “How can we kill
him if we can’t see him?” I suddenly
had a stroke of genius. “Marco, do
these things have thermal scanners?”
Marco, realizing the clever solution, replied “Yeah… they do! Everyone
turn on your thermal scanner!” I turned it on and my whole window turned
transparent red. The computer auto-scanned the area and located KC. “I’ve got a lock on him!” I yelled. “Me too!” Martin added. “Ok, boys,” Marco said with a smile. “Lets
wet his wagon.” We charged forward and KC began to flee.
“No no KC,” Marco said sarcastically. He shot a
Thunderbolt missile and blew off one of the wings of KC’s ship off. “Arrrg!” KC barked. “You Jack *ss!” “Martin smiled as he fired his Thunderbolt missile. “Fire in the
hole!” he yelled. It blew off the tail of KC’s ship. “Heh heh,” I laughed. “My
turn.” I started to power up
My Bombast Lasers.
“No!” cried KC. “I gotta get
outta here!” The laser got to full
power. “Asta la vista baby!” I said as I shot it. I saw an escape pod shoot out
just as the laser hit his ship. The explosion fried the pods propulsion system
as the aftershock hit it. KC plummeted toward a decent sized asteroid circling
a nearby planet. “You haven’t seen the
last of me! I’ll be…” KC said as the radio signal cut off. “You think we should
have done that?” I asked. “Aw,” Marco answered. “Don’t worry, they’ll
find him….someday.” We all had a good laugh and headed back to the base. As we
did, I began another log… “Muska’s log: I am unusually happy today. I am heading
home from a battle, being the only one in the squadron who wasn’t hit. I guess
I have a reason to be happy, I have finally found a reason to live. I have
realized my goal in life is to fight, protect, and serve…. As a member of The
Liberation Fleet of Justice, I intend to do just that, to the end of my days.
End log.